Fish hatchery open at Lake Mendocino

Although its recreation facilities are still closed, Lake Mendocino's fish hatchery is now open to visitors.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced this week that its egg collection facility is now open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., with "crowding of the fish taking place every day at 10 a.m."

Most of Lake Mendocino's campgrounds and day-use areas were closed last November due to uncertain federal funding, as the USACE reported that "we must choose to fund our endangered species fish hatchery and ecosystem restoration over recreation."

The North and South Boat Ramp restrooms will remain closed, as well as the Dam Crest parking lot restroom.

Areas that are open at Lake Mendocino include the North and South Boat Ramp parking lots, the Dam Crest parking lot, Laweyo Horse Staging Area and trail, Shakota Trail, Oak Grove day-use area, North and South Disc Golf courses, and the Lake Mendocino Park Headquarters and the Inlet Road.

USACE spokesman J.D. Hardesty said water is currently being released from Coyote Valley Dam at a rate of 38 cubic feet per second, explaining that 23 cfs is needed to support the city of Ukiah's power plant, and 15 cfs is diverted to the fish imprinting facility.